LOST TO THE RACE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19998, 25 July 1939, Page 7

LOST TO THE RACE

EDUCATION OF MAORIS BLIND-ALLEY POSTS PAKEHA RESPONSIBILITY Because educated Maoris were unable to obtain suitable employment at the completion of their education they were drifting back to the Maori settlements and agricultural pursuits, the benefit of their education being lost to the race as a whole, said Mr. H. S M. Quigley, at the meeting of the Hawke’s Bay Education Board m Napier on Friday. The discussion did not end in a formal resolution, although members expressed the opinion that Mr. Quigley’s remarks were unfortunately true. “White people do not seem inclined to give Maoris employment in positions of responsibility which would befit the thorough education they have undergone,” said Mr. Quigley, “and without employment they drift back to Maori ways of life witnout the chance they deserve. It seems a great pity that after all the efforts of the schools, Maoris should be prevented from obtaining an equal status with Europeans in New Zealand life.”

The chief inspector, Mr. J. A. Henry, said he would like to have an opportunity to undertake a comprehensive survey not only of the primary schools but the native schools before advancing any reasons for this fact. He agreed'that it was widely known that the Maoris were drifting back to the pas, and it seemed a shame and a waste of effort. Mr. Henry mentioned that one of the board members not present at the meeting, Mr. C. R. Sainsbury, had investigated the subject, and on one occasion had made a strong comment that the Maoris wore being bred into “a race of coolies.”